Lightning force Game 6, beat Maple Leafs 4-2

So close, yet so far, is a phrase that nicely sums up the last five years of playoff hockey for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

So close, yet so far, is a phrase that nicely sums up the last five years of playoff hockey for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

They’ve been one win away from advancing in the post season in each of those years, only to lose in heartbreaking fashion in a series-deciding game.

Once again, the Leafs are on the precipice. Up 3-1 in their best-of-seven playoff series, Toronto needs just one more victory to eliminate the Tampa Bay Lightning and get out of the first round for the first time since 2004.

They had a chance to get that victory on Thursday night at Scotiabank Arena but Tampa had other plans, forcing a Game 6 with a 4-2 win.

Here’s a recap of what happened in Game 5:

The Lightning have defeated the Maple Leafs 4-2, forcing a Game 6 on Saturday in Tampa Bay. Toronto still leads the series 3-2.

Morgan Rielly and Auston Matthews scored the Leafs' two goals tonight.